Oakville Man Charged in Back-to-Back Armed Robberies

An Oakville man is accused of robbing a pair of pharmacies in town within minutes.

It began on June 22 shortly after 11 a.m. in River Oaks.

That’s when an armed suspect entered a pharmacy at 2163 Sixth Line.

The man, wearing a disguise, ordered several patrons to turn over their cellphones before jumping the counter to the pharmacy, say Halton police.

He scored cash and narcotics before fleeing on foot.

No physical injuries were reported.

Minutes later, investigators allege the same man went to another pharmacy at 1534 Queensbury Cres., roughly 1.3 kilometres away.

Once inside, the suspect assaulted a male before being overpowered and subdued by a second male who was outside the pharmacy and witnessed the assault.

The suspect was soon handcuffed by police.

Several items taken from the first pharmacy were recovered, including the gun which was later determined to be a BB gun.

The victim and the suspect were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Their injuries are believed to be minor.

Wayne William Valeriote, 31, is charged with: two counts of robbery with firearm; two counts of disguise with intent; two counts of pointing a firearm; assault with a weapon; breach of weapons prohibition; utter threats.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Barry Malciw with the 2 District criminal investigations bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2216.

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca